How Will Canadians Remember Afghanistan?

 

                                                        Internally Displaced Afghan Children

I am heartsick for the people of Afghanistan as the Taliban is poised to regain control of the country by force. This faction which practices misogyny and oppression under the guise of being observant Muslims will deal a terrible blow to he cause of equality for women and girls which has advanced, slowly, since the Taliban was pushed back nearly 20 years ago by forces from a coalition of nations, including Canada.

I have deep concern for the well-being of Afghans who were vital partners of those coalition forces, acting as translators and guides, along with those working in embassies and military bases. It is shameful that for the longest time the requests to emigrate were ignored for those most at risk, and I hope that the change of heart by the Canadian government isn't too little, too late.According in an NPR report:

• The Taliban are rounding up people who have worked for the U.S. military or Afghan government.
• O'Donnell said the atrocities on the battlefield are "horrific" and include bodies being mutilated and other things the journalist wouldn't go into on air.
• Women are being told to stay in their homes unless accompanied by a male relative.
• Women are also being told they'll be rounded up and married off to Taliban fighters.
• Girls in those regions are being taken out of school, and schools for girls are closed.

I am also deeply saddened for the family members of Canadian soldiers who died in Afghanistan, and those who died by their own hands after returning because of the trauma they experienced during their tours of duty. Thousands more suffered emotional damage and PTSD which has been lasting.To what end? 

                                                                     Highway of Heroes Tribute 

While serving as minister of a congregation in a southern Ontario town along the 401 highway I witnessed the tributes to repatriated war dead whose solemn entourages followed what became known as the Highway of Heroes. In that same town there was a funeral in a neighbouring church for a fallen soldier who grew up in the community and the sanctuary was packed with mourners.

I hope that those who served faithfully are not forgotten. And I wonder whether we will ever learn from the folly of war and the brutality it brings.

                                                     Afghan War Monument Ottawa